How to Bleach Stains on Wood Floors

++CTA++This procedure includes guidance on removing stains from wood floors using differentmethods of bleaching. These methods include using household chlorine bleach, oxalicacid, or a concentrate hydrogen peroxide solution.

PRODUCTS

2.01 MATERIALS

NOTE: Chemical products are sometimes sold under a common name. This usually means that the substance is not as pureas the same chemical sold under its chemical name. The gradeof purity of common name substances, however, is usually adequate for stain removal work, and these products should be purchased when available, as they tend to be less expensive. Common names are indicated below by an asterisk (*).

1. An unstable compoundused especially as an oxidizingand bleaching agent, an antiseptic, and a propellant.

2. Other chemical orcommon names include Peroxide of hydrogen*;Solution of hydrogen dioxide*; Superoxol*;(hydrogen peroxide is commonly sold as a 3%solution; Superoxol is a 30% solution; Superoxolcauses flesh burns; 3% hydrogen peroxide doesnot). THIS PROCEDURE CALLS FOR USE OF THE 30% CONCENTRATION.

C. Remove any grease or oil from the surface bywashing with mineral spirits and a clean, softcloth.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

CAUTION: DO NOT MIX AMMONIA WITH CHLORINE BLEACHES, A POISONOUS GAS WILL RESULT! DO NOT USE BLEACH ON BIRD DROPPINGS.

NOTE: TEST CLEAN A SMALL AREA BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THEWORK TO DETERMINE THE BEST METHOD FOR REMOVING THE STAIN.

NOTE: TOTAL REMOVAL OF A STAIN MAY NOT ALWAYS BE POSSIBLE. IN THESE CASES, LIGHTENING OF THE STAIN MUST SUFFICE. ONTHE CONTRARY, BE PREPARED FOR BLEACHED WOOD TO APPEAR LIKE-NEW IN CONTRAST TO SURROUNDING WOOD THAT APPEARS MORE AGED.

NOTE: BLEACHES ARE WATER-BASED SOLUTIONS AND TEND TO RAISE THE WOOD GRAIN WHEN APPLIED; THIS WILL REQUIRE SANDING UPON COMPLETION.

CAUTION: DO NOT MIX CHLORINEBLEACH AND AMMONIA. THIS WILL PRODUCE A TOXIC GAS.

1. Apply bleach to thestained area using a clean, softcloth or stiff bristle brush. Use straight fromthe bottle; do not dilute.

2. Allow to sit on thesurface for at least 10 minutes;reapply if necessary.

3. Thoroughly rinse thesurface with clean, clear water.

4. Allow to dry for atleast 24 hours before refinishing.

B. Stain Removal Using Oxalic Acid: Recommendedfor removing blue ink stains, ironstains and darkening or blackening of wood due to age orprevious cleaning.

NOTE: BEST TO USE IT WARM ANDCONCENTRATED.

1. Dissolve crystals inhot water in a glass or porcelaincontainer.

2. Apply the solutionliberally to the surface using a clean,soft cloth or stiff bristle brush.

3. Allow to sit on thesurface for at least 10 minutes. It may take longer (up to an hour) to achieveeffective results depending on the type of stainand type of wood; agitate with a stiff bristlebrush if necessary to aid in stain removal; reapplyif necessary.

4. Thoroughly rinse thesurface with clean, clear water.

5. Allow to dry for atleast 24 hours before refinishing.

C. Stain Removal Using Concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide(30%): Recommended for lightening woods oras a last attempt at removing a stain before resortingto replacement.

NOTE: HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ATTHIS CONCENTRATE IS THE STRONGEST OF THE THREE BLEACHESLISTED. IT IS TYPICALLY SOLD AS A TWO-PART KIT CONTAININGSODIUM HYDROXIDE.